Guide · Installation
Roof bars for rooftop tents: what really matters
No rooftop tent without the right roof bars. They connect tent and car, carry the tent while driving and, at your pitch, carry you as well. Here's what load capacity, profile and spacing you need – and what applies to roof rails, fix points and the WEEKEND.
In short
For a rooftop tent you need roof bars that are approved for your car and whose load capacity matches the tent weight. While driving, tent plus bars count against your car's dynamic roof load. Also check the right bar spacing and a profile the tent can rest on securely.
The 4 key criteria
Roof bars made for roof boxes aren't automatically suitable for a rooftop tent. These four points decide:
01
Load capacity of the bars
The manufacturer states how much the bars may carry while driving. It must be at least the tent weight. There is often a separate, higher rating for when the car is parked.
02
Your car's dynamic roof load
Tent + bars (usually approx. 5–8 kg) must not exceed your car's dynamic roof load. You'll find the value in the vehicle manual.
03
Bar spacing
The distance between front and rear bar must match the tent's mounting points. Check the figure in your tent's manual.
04
Bar profile
Flat profiles offer more contact area than round tubes. On round bars a tent sits less securely – for the WEEKEND there's the Bridge.
Roof rails, fix points or a bare roof?
Which roof bars fit your car depends on how your roof is equipped. Check your vehicle manual for approved systems.
| Roof | Roof bar system | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Raised roof rails | Rail bars that clamp around the rails | Common on estates and SUVs, easy to fit. |
| Flush / integrated rails | Special bars for flush rails | Vehicle-specific foot packs needed. |
| Fix points | Bars bolted to prepared points in the roof | The position is fixed – check the spacing before you buy. |
| Bare roof without rails | Clamp bars that grip the door frames | Possible without rails if the car is approved for roof bars. |
Important: not every car is approved for roof bars – some city cars and electric cars allow no roof load at all.
Groenberg rooftop tents
What sits on the roof bars – by rooftop tent
Depending on the model, the bars carry very different loads while driving. With the WEEKEND, they're usually empty on the road.
| Rooftop tent | On the bars while driving | Tent + bars (approx.) | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| WEEKEND Classic / Comfort | Nothing – the tent travels in the boot | bars only | For 75–85 cm spacing or round bars: Bridge |
| WEEKEND with Speedbag | The packed WEEKEND in the Speedbag (1.8 kg) | pack weight + Speedbag + bars | Count the pack weight against the dynamic roof load |
| Halvor 160 | The folded tent (68 kg) | approx. 75 kg | Rail length 158 cm, bar spacing 66 cm (per product page) |
| Alvar / Tjelvar | The closed hardshell (77 kg without ladder) | approx. 84 kg | The ladder travels inside the car |
Our Roof Load Finder shows the roof load of more than 100 car models.
WEEKEND accessories
WEEKEND: do you need the Bridge?
The WEEKEND is fastened to the roof bars with buckles, no tools needed. The Bridge is a roll-up mat with aluminium beams that spans the gap between your bars like a slatted base.
- Recommended for 75–85 cm bar spacing
- For round bars with little contact area
- When two of you sleep in the WEEKEND
- 300 kg load capacity, just 1.8 kg
Checklist before you buy
Is your car approved for roof bars? (vehicle manual)
Have you noted your car's dynamic roof load?
Bar load capacity ≥ tent weight?
Tent + bars ≤ dynamic roof load?
Bar spacing matches the tent's mounting points?
For the pitch: static capacity of bars and roof checked?
WEEKEND – important
The WEEKEND is always set up on the ground and lifted onto the car as a complete unit. It never rides on the roof set up – before every drive it comes back down.
FAQ: roof bars for rooftop tents
Which roof bars are suitable for a rooftop tent?
Bars that are approved for your car, whose load capacity is at least the tent weight and whose spacing matches the tent's mounting points. Flat profiles offer more contact than round tubes.
Can I mount a rooftop tent without roof rails?
Yes, if your car is approved for roof bars. For cars without rails there are clamp bars that grip the door frames, or bars for prepared fix points.
How much do roof bars weigh?
Usually between 5 and 8 kg. While driving, this weight counts against your car's dynamic roof load in addition to the tent.
What bar spacing do I need?
It depends on the rooftop tent and is stated in its manual. For the WEEKEND, we recommend the WEEKEND Bridge for 75–85 cm spacing.
Are my roof bars enough for the WEEKEND?
While driving, nothing sits on the bars with the WEEKEND – unless you use the Speedbag. At your pitch, the bars carry the tent and people – check the manufacturer's rating for parked use and your car's static roof load.
Groenberg
Roof bars sorted – now the right rooftop tent
Check your car in the Roof Load Finder or see the installation in detail.